As a sommelier and brewer, I have had plenty of experience with extracts and their expiration dates. The general rule is that extracts will maintain their quality indefinitely until they evaporate. This means that if you store your extracts properly and they are not exposed to excessive heat or light, they should last for a very long time.
However, I understand that expiration dates can sometimes make us doubt the quality and safety of a product. If you find yourself in this situation with an extract, there are a couple of ways you can determine if it is still good to use.
Firstly, give the extract a good sniff. A high-quality extract should have a strong and distinct aroma. If you can still smell the extract and it is pleasant and aromatic, chances are it is still good to use. On the other hand, if there is no aroma or if it smells off or unpleasant, it's best to discard it.
If you want to be extra sure, you can also taste a small amount of the extract. Again, a good extract should have a concentrated and flavorful taste. If it tastes as it should and enhances the flavors in your recipe, then it should be fine to use. However, if it tastes stale or has an odd flavor, it's best to err on the side of caution and not use it.
It's important to note that while extracts may still be safe to consume after their expiration date, their quality and potency may have diminished. This means that you may need to use a bit more of the extract to achieve the desired flavor in your recipe.
In my personal experience, I have used extracts that were past their expiration date with no issues. I have found that as long as the extract has been stored properly and still retains its aroma and taste, it can still be a valuable ingredient in my recipes.
To summarize, extracts can generally be used after their expiration date if they still have a good aroma and taste. Trust your senses and use your judgement. If the extract smells and tastes good, it will likely do its job in your recipe. However, if there is no aroma or if it smells off, it's best to discard it.